ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) has no cure, but MedlinePlus notes that treatment can reduce symptoms and improve functioning, and the two mainstays are medicine and behavioral approaches such as behavior therapy and parent training. There is no effective over-the-counter option: every medicine used for ADHD is prescription-only, and a clinician decides whether medication is appropriate, which one, and at what dose. Prescription stimulants — methylphenidate and amphetamine-based medicines — are the type the NIH describes as the most commonly prescribed and usually tried first; MedlinePlus notes methylphenidate can be habit-forming, and these stimulants are federally controlled substances, so they are prescribed and monitored closely. Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine, guanfacine, and clonidine are another option the NIH describes for people who cannot take stimulants or prefer not to take them, and viloxazine (Qelbree), a newer FDA-approved non-stimulant, is also used. Per the NIH there is no one-size-fits-all ADHD treatment, and finding the most effective plan takes time and regular follow-up. Behavior therapy and parent training are a core part of care — MedlinePlus notes parent training is especially important for younger children — and are frequently used alongside medicine. Be wary of over-the-counter "focus," "brain," or "attention" supplements: none are proven ADHD treatments, so they are not listed as options here.
For options we rate, we show our independent FDA recall-safety rating(0–100) — a signal GoodRx and Drugs.com don’t provide. Higher is safer.
A doctor may prescribe these — not for self-treatment.
Ritalin, Concerta CNS stimulant (controlled substance) Our rating 44/100 | A central nervous system stimulant and one of the most commonly prescribed ADHD medicines, made in both short-acting and long-acting forms (e.g. Ritalin, Concerta). Per MedlinePlus it can be habit-forming and is a federally controlled substance, so it is prescribed and monitored by a clinician. Whether it is used, and at what dose, is a decision only a prescriber can make. |
amphetamine/dextroamphetamine Adderall CNS stimulant (controlled substance) | Mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall) are a stimulant used as part of a treatment program to control ADHD symptoms. Like methylphenidate they are effective for many people but can be habit-forming and are federally controlled. A prescriber decides whether a stimulant is appropriate and which one to try. |
Vyvanse CNS stimulant (controlled substance) | A once-daily stimulant (a prodrug converted to dextroamphetamine in the body) used for ADHD in adults and children 6 and older. Also controlled and habit-forming per MedlinePlus; a clinician decides whether and how it is used and monitors treatment. |
A clinician individualizes ADHD treatment to the person — their age, symptom severity, other health conditions, other medicines, side-effect profile, and preferences — and typically reviews and adjusts the plan over several follow-up visits, because per the NIH there is no one-size-fits-all treatment and finding the right fit takes time. Stimulants (methylphenidate- and amphetamine-based) are the most commonly prescribed and are usually considered first; they come in short- and long-acting forms, and because methylphenidate can be habit-forming and these stimulants are federally controlled, they are prescribed and monitored closely. When a stimulant is not suitable, is not tolerated, does not work well enough, or is not preferred, a prescriber may turn to a non-stimulant — atomoxetine or viloxazine, which raise norepinephrine, or the alpha-agonists guanfacine ER and clonidine ER, which can be used alone or added to a stimulant. Behavior therapy and parent training are recommended as part of treatment — MedlinePlus notes a combination of treatments is common and that parent training is especially important for younger children, so behavioral approaches are often the starting point for young children. None of this is a decision to make alone: which medicine, whether to pair it with therapy, and how to dose it are choices for you (or your child) and a qualified clinician. Steer clear of over-the-counter "focus" or "brain-boosting" supplements marketed for attention — they are not proven to treat ADHD, are not regulated like approved medicines, and some can interact with other drugs; talk to a healthcare provider before trying anything.
ADHD should be diagnosed and managed by a qualified clinician: see a doctor if inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsiveness are interfering with school, work, relationships, or daily life, since a proper evaluation is needed because other conditions can look like ADHD. If you or your child is taking an ADHD medicine, contact the prescriber about side effects such as poor appetite, trouble sleeping, weight loss or slowed growth in children, irritability, mood changes, or a fast or pounding heartbeat, and never start, stop, or change a dose on your own. Because the non-stimulants atomoxetine and viloxazine carry warnings about new or worsening depression, anxiety, agitation, or suicidal thoughts — especially in children and teenagers and when starting or changing the dose — watch closely for changes in mood or behavior. If you or your child has thoughts of suicide or self-harm, get help immediately: in the US call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988), and call 911 if someone is in immediate danger. Seek emergency care for chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or signs of a serious allergic reaction after taking a stimulant.
General reference, not medical advice, and not a substitute for your doctor or pharmacist. The right choice depends on your symptoms, health conditions, age, and other medicines — always read each label and confirm before taking anything.
| The first non-stimulant FDA-approved for ADHD; per MedlinePlus it works by increasing norepinephrine in the brain. It is not a controlled substance and may be considered when stimulants are not suitable, are not tolerated, or are not preferred — a prescriber's decision. It carries a warning about suicidal thoughts, so it is started under medical supervision. |
Qelbree Non-stimulant (selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) | A newer once-daily non-stimulant that raises norepinephrine, used for ADHD in adults and children 6 and older. Like atomoxetine it carries a MedlinePlus warning about new or worsening suicidal thoughts, especially early in treatment or after a dose change, so it is started and monitored by a clinician. |
guanfacine Intuniv Non-stimulant (alpha-2A adrenergic agonist) | The extended-release form (Intuniv) is a non-stimulant, a centrally acting alpha-2A adrenergic agonist, used to control ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents — sometimes on its own, sometimes added to a stimulant. Not a controlled substance; a prescriber decides whether it fits and how it is dosed. |
Kapvay Non-stimulant (alpha-2 adrenergic agonist) | The extended-release form (Kapvay) is a non-stimulant alpha-agonist used to treat ADHD in children 6 and older, alone or combined with a stimulant. A prescriber weighs whether it is appropriate and how it is dosed and monitored. |